title: Observational Aranesp Survey to Investigate the Q3W Schedule (OASIS): a prospective observational study of treatment of chemotherapy-induced anaemia with every 3 weeks darbepoetin alfa.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  This prospective observational study examined the adherence to published European guidelines on erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) and the pattern of use and effect of darbepoetin alfa (DA) 500 microg once every 3 weeks (Q3W) for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced anaemia (CIA).
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 293 patients were included (263 solid tumour, 30 haematologic malignancy). Their mean age was 63 years, 51% were male, 57% had platinum-based chemotherapy. DA was started at a haemoglobin (Hb) level between 9 and 11 g/dL in 82% of patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In an analysis correcting for transfusions, 55% of patients achieved > or =2 g/dL increase in Hb, and a Hb level of >11 g/dL was reached in 81%. Transfusion rate was 27%. Most patients (70%) were treated in a Q3W chemotherapy, and planned synchronisation of chemotherapy and Q3W DA could be maintained in 76%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Adherence to European guidelines for DA treatment was good, and Q3W DA treatment was in synchronisation with Q3W chemotherapy in the majority of the patients, thereby reproducing the findings of a recent phase III study.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital Gasthuisberg, Herestraat 49, 3000, Leuven, Belgium.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pat
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Anrys
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Verhulst
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Van Aelst
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Van Eygen
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Galdermans
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Verhoeven
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Polus
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Segers
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Derde
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Wauters
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vansteenkiste
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000740:Anemia / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D001530:Belgium; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D019983:Guideline Adherence; D006397:Hematinics / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019370:Observation; D011446:Prospective Studies
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D006397:Hematinics; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa